URGENT Need: Help Us at National Disasters (Hurricane & Wildfires)

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Experts predict the 2020 hurricane and wildfire seasons may be among the most active we will ever face. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of the American Red Cross continues, as it must, because of amazing volunteers and individuals. Please consider joining us in a temporary volunteer position NOW - and get fully trained - before disasters strike. Most disaster deployments call for a 2-3 week commitment and ability to work multiple shifts on consecutive days. Together, we will be ready when the time comes!

Shelter Associate
The Shelter Service Associate is a temporary position assigned to work in person in a Red Cross shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event. Shelter Service Associates complete tasks necessary for shelter operations and provide assistance for disaster clients. Shelter Service Associates support the day-to-day activities within a shelter which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Following worker safety procedures for working in a COVID environment
• Embodying the fundamental principles of the American Red Cross in their work with clients, disaster responders and partners
• Providing excellent client service and support the daily maintenance of the shelter operation at the direction of the assigned Shelter Supervisor
• Using the Shift Tool during the disaster event to report availability and schedule shelter shifts
• Completing the required virtual self-paced training (3 hours of training total)

SKILLS

• Ability to build appropriate and effective relationships with co-workers and shelter residents
• Ability to support and correct performance, manage conflict and ask for help early on so that workflow and service delivery does not impact shelter residents or the shelter community
• Demonstrates clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication
• Lift / carry 20 lbs. multiple times/shift
• Stand and or sit for two-hour periods and walk for two miles during a shift
• Walk on uneven terrain
• Work outdoors in inclement weather, extreme heat and/or humidity and/or extreme cold
• Climb two or more flights of stairs
• Speak clearly on phone and in person
• Work for long periods on computer and/or reading small print and/or writing
• Drive in daytime and at night
• Minimum 18 years of age
• Willing and able to volunteer in person in a COVID -19 disaster shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event
• Availability to sign up for shifts on consecutive days (shifts may be 4, 8 or 12 hours long)
• Willing to complete 3 hours of virtual self-paced training required for position
• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions in English

TRAINING

• Everyone is Welcome
• Shelter Fundamentals
• Shelter Fundamental - Supplemental short videos
• Congregate Sheltering Activities in COVID-19 Environment
• Deployment Fundamentals
• Mission Cards - Cardholder Overview

**MUST SUBMIT A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION AT WWW.REDCROSS.ORG/VOLUNTEER

Questions? Contact Sarah at sarah.luth@redcross.org or (608) 347-8791